ESPN Films’ ’30 for 30′ Shorts Celebrates First Primetime Emmy Win

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The film series won in the Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program category

ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 Shorts series took home an Emmy for Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program Saturday night at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys. This was the first nomination and first win for the documentary series, which is from the creators and producers of ESPN’s critically-acclaimed 30 for 30.

“ESPN Films originally began with the idea of presenting great storytelling as documentary films, but the progression to a short-format series was natural, and has allowed for a creative freedom among topics and approach that is unique to the short film format,” says Connor Schell, vice president of ESPN Films. “To be honored in this category alongside such successful programs is thrilling and we hope to continue to produce high-quality stories that resonate with our audience, in both short and long form, through the 30 for 30 series.”

Executive producer Bill Simmons said, “When we started planning this series in 2007, we always dreamed of this happening. It has been a seven-year odyssey and we couldn’t be more thankful and humbled that the Emmys gave us this unforgettable honor.”

30 for 30 Shorts will be featured in the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival with “An Immortal Man” playing in competition. The short, directed by Josh Koury and Myles Kane, focuses on baseball legend Ted Williams and the odd story of the preservation of his body via cryostasis following his death. A panel discussion in the festival’s Doc Conference called “Focus On: ESPN Films” will feature ESPN Films senior director of development Dan Silver and include the premiere of a new short from director Frank Marshall.

Additionally, “Untucked,” from director Danny Pudi, was screened at this year’s Sundance Film Festival as part of the Short Film Program. The most recent 30 for 30 Short “Kid Danny,” about former Little League baseball player Danny Almonte, premiered last week on Grantland.com and airs on ESPN on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The next film in the 30 for 30 Shorts series is “Field of Fear,” directed by Academy-Award winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, which premieres on Grantland.com September 17 and chronicles the story of former New York Mets catcher Mackey Sasser who suffered from the “Yips.” Watch previous 30 for 30 Shorts on ESPN.com/30for30/shorts.

About ESPN Films

Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched its signature 30 for 30 film series, which has since won a Peabody Award, Producer’s Guild Award and an Emmy Award. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically-acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the Webby Award- and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 Shorts.